How to make a Hologram

These are the 12 Steps you need to do to create your own real hologram on glass with DCG (dichromated gelatin):

0:00 Introduction
0:13 Step 1 – Checking the glass – To get the perfect Hologram you have to check the orientation of the “parallel-lines-pattern” inside the glass.
1:53 Step 2 – Cutting the glass – With a good cutting technique you will waste less glass in your hologram production.
4:12 Step 3 – Cleaning the glass – An Overview of the best chemicals for glass cleaning and how to detect the correct side for coating the glass.
6:26 Step 4 – Preparing the gelatin – Some proven DCG Hologram recipes and how they are adjusted for different temperatures and laser wavelengths.
9:49 Step 5 – Sensitizing the gelatin – How to add the Ammonium Dichromate to the gelatin mix and properly filter it.
13:08 Step 6 – Coating the glass – Working in a controlled coating environment makes better, cleaner holograms and also keeps you safe.
16:07 Step 7 – Building the exposure setup – Instructions on how to build a holographic recording setup.
18:03 Step 8 – Exposure – Expose your coated plates correctly to get the best holograms.
22:37 Step 9 – Developing – Keeping the many variables under control makes this the most crucial and difficult step in the hologram production.
30:38 Step 10 – Scraping – By removing some of the gelatin the Hologram will be properly framed.
33:49 Step 11 – Sealing – Using Epoxy Resin and gluing a cover plate on the hologram will protect it from moisture and preserve it for many years.
39:44 Step 12 – Grinding – Taking off the sharp edges from the glass will make the Hologram safer and more presentable.

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HASHTAGS
#Holography
#Hologram
#DIY
#Laser
#Science
#DCGholography
#Lightartist
#3D

[RickNickel]

This is one of those "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it". It must have taken a huge amount of time to work out the details of this procedure. Even with your exact instruction, replicating the process is not trivial.
This video documenting your procedure is excellent, you have my respect.

[Viking]

This is the first time I've downloaded a youtube video just to back it up in case the internet is shut down or something... just amazing!

[SchrenkATWork]

this is by far the best technical insight I've ever seen on youtube. keep up the good work!

[decase]

Finally a video that walks thru the process in good detail. I’ve been looking for video tutorials on holography for years. Thanks for the effort and sharing your knowledge and experience.

[markpandelidis]

Wow. That's dedication. This is what humans should be striving for. The passion you exhibit is admirable. Well done.

[AustinMCraigDoesNeatStuff]

This is really incredible. What an awesome resource this single video is. Fantastic work, though that doesn’t do justice to the work you’ve clearly put in here. Thank you.

[peetiegonzalez]

I learned about holograms in books as a young child (where I learned you need to minimise vibration in your studio!) and saw my first ones in a museum wayy back in the 80s. I've learned about them in science class. I'm no genius but I do have a fair grasp on some physics including some quantum mechanics and rudimentary signal theory, but for the life of me, no matter how hard I've tried over the last 30-odd years, I cannot understand *how* a hologram manages to manipulate the light to reproduce that 3D effect, and it's clear that no teacher I've asked actually understood it, either. Sure, read up on it, it's "interference patterns" yada yada.. but it still doesn't make sense. It's just mindblowing. Your example hologram at the end is amazing. The 3D structure actually obstructs itself as you turn it around. Incredible.

[garybrady]

thank you,
made my first holo's, in 76' 77 ( still have them ) with Fred Unterseher in berkley, ca. met Richard Rallison and saw his first dicromates. WOW rich said he burned down his dads barn learning to make DCG's . most people have never seen a real holo on glass and fewer have seen DCG bought some DCG's from holo's gallery on haight street in san francisco early 90's
they are beautiful your vid is a master work....Gary

[ekojar]

Seems like you just need bigger fluid holding tubs and glove boxes, and tools, just bigger everything to achieve your dream. I would love to see this hologram in the desert. Thank you for all your dedication and passion and hard hard work in getting this info to us. I am starting a company soon and my ultimate goal right now is to get a hologram on something you've probably never seen a hologram on before. I know it's not going to be easy and I'll probably fail 1000 times before it works. I might have some questions in the future, you will be my main guy to ask if I hit some road blocks. I hope to hear from you in the future. Thanks!

[denisbuzdin]

While watching the video, I interrupted several times to google the components and the experiment room.) Thanks for sharing the technology. Everything is very detailed and all conditions are taken into account.

[kristiankeller]

One of the best videos I've seen on YouTube. Especially love all of the DIY laboratory equipment.

[s.ramirezglass]

Watched the whole video start to finish, very informative, and honestly impressive ingenuity on the chemical chambers you made! Thank you for making this. 🍄💙

[RBBIT]

I was a kid in the 90’s. I appreciate this artwork so much. I never knew the process until now. Thank you for teaching us.

[oracle]

This is one of the best videos on youtube. Thanyou

[RickRuggiero]

Such a wonderfully detailed and thorough description of your process. You once again have demonstrated German commitment to quality. Unfortunately after watching the process I have decided that I am not equipped to take on DCG hologram production, but I have a new appreciation of how much these final products are truly worth. Great work!

[distracteddads]

Wow! I don't know anything about what I just watched but I couldn't stop watching. I can't imagine having the patience and skill to do this myself. Bravo to you for making this tutorial.

[scootergem]

God bless you for making this and sharing. You have a good heart.

[baremetalHW]

Thanks for this video!! amazing detail. I am currently following your instructions and trying to make my own hologram. One quick question, for your fixer you are using "Tetenal Superfix Plus Rapid Fixer 1l" correct? Also Is there a place we can purchase holograms you have made? Thanks for your response!

[rasmus]

Thanks for putting this video together, so valuable. I'm not sure if I will ever make a hologram but if I do I know where to look. Very impressive. And good luck with the 2 meter hologram!

[ThomasGrillo]

Now, I know why DCG holos are so expensive. So much work, and time go into the making of not only the holo, but the media to record it. I remember seeing a demonstration of potassium DCG holos being made at Lake Forest University, back in 91. Where I live, it won't be possible for me to make DCG holos, due to high humidity. I have a few DCGs in my collection. Thanks for sharing this with us. :)